This wonderful side-trip from the Darking River Run will take you to the iconically (and nicely eccentric) Australian Opal mining town of Lightning Ridge. Whether you are looking for the famous Black Opal, wanting to explore some wonderful galleries or just take in the experiences of a mining town, 'The Ridge' is a must.
An easy drive to and from Walgett. As an alternate route, there is a nice drive via Cumborah to Brewarrina.
Getting here/away
Walgett <> Lighning Ridge
Distance = 78.0 km - about 54 mins (one way)
Route: Castlereagh Hwy <> Bill Obrien Way (Sealed Highway)
The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia is a not-for-profit charitable Service providing aeromedical emergency and primary health care services together with communication and education assistance to people who live, work and travel in regional and remote Australia.
The Outback NSW Tourism Organisation is a proud supporter of the RFDS and the work they do to provided essential support to out Outback areas.
Staying with the Outback Beds network allows you to experience working sheep and cattle stations, bush pubs, log cabins, living underground, Bed and Breakfasts, a little luxury and tranquil river campsites.... even camel campouts. It's a true-blue outback adventure.
Gary and Liz Murray from Trilby Station, a 200,000 acres sheep and cattle property on the banks of the Darling River in Outback NSW, invite visitors from around the world to come and taste their unique lifestyle. Trilby Station offers accommodation in the renovated Stockman’s Cottages & Shearer’s Bunkhouse. There’s also powered caravan sites with amenities and secluded Darling River camp spots. Guests can self cater or enjoy a range of delicious Australian country-style meals such as Liz’s farmyard breakfasts, stockman’s lunches and two or three course dinners served to your accommodation.
Turlee Station is a working sheep and wheat station located adjacent to Mungo National Park in outback NSW. Situated within the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area, Turlee is a great place to experience outback station culture whilst exploring the national park. Accommodation options include camping, shearer’s quarters as well as a self contained cottage. Tag-along tours, sheep shearing and sheep dog working demonstrations as well as a self guided drive tour are all available at Turlee. We pride ourselves in our one-on-one interaction with guests and aim to provide our guests with a memorable experience of outback Australia!
The Black Queen Experience is the Outback’s most incredible 3-Act performance. The sets are magic! The performance will stir your soul! You will laugh, you will cry, you will become part of Outstanding Outback Theatre with a Twist! The Black Queen Experience incorporates live performance, theatre and museum. Take a Journey of Discovery and travel through history to experience life and light. The Black Queen Experience is One of those magical places you stumble upon once in a lifetime that will remain with you throughout the rest of your life.
We are situated in Lightning Ridge, outback NSW. We offer an experience unlike any other. Ron Canlin the artist has created an amazing art galley carved in the sandstone 11 metres underground in a 100 year old mine. The first level consist of 300 plus, carvings and paintings, it has to be seen to be believed. The second level is a mine with all the workings of days gone by, dug by hand by the old timers, our guides have 25 years plus experience in the opal and give a detailed talk on the formation and geology of opal. Every day is a new experience as Ron continues to carve.
Bourke is a wonderful community established in 1861 on the banks of the Darling River. Historically, the town was a vital link for agriculture in the west and larger cities to the east. Today the town welcomes all visitors with a smile and G'day.
Brewarrina was one of the great inter-tribal meeting places of eastern Australia with the fish traps, sustaining thousands of Aboriginal people during tribal gatherings held prior to European settlement. The fisheries are estimated to be at least 40,000 years old and could be the oldest man-made structure on earth.
Travel in the footsteps of Vincent James Dowling and other early pioneers over 100 years ago discovered this area, known as the "Plains of Promise"- people travelled the track looking for a new life and new opportunities. The Australian author, Henry Lawson walked from Bourke to Hungerford and back in the hellish summer heat looking for work. The Dowling Track is 4WD experience linking Back 'o' Bourke and beyond to Quilpie in South West Queensland, total kilometres, 567.
Walgett Shire embraces the fertile black soil plains of northern New South Wales. Our towns and villages have a proud and fascinating pioneering history, and our people still have the inventiveness and good humour of the early pioneers.
Side Routes 
